Formula 1: Sprint Race Calendar for 2026 Revealed
Formula 1 has confirmed six sprint races for the 2026 season, including new venues for this format in Canada, the Netherlands, and Singapore. China and Miami will keep their sprint races next year, while Silverstone will host its first sprint weekend since the introduction of the format in 2021. Sprint weekends include an additional 100 km race on the Saturday of the event, as well as an additional qualifying session on Friday to set the grid for the sprint race. The number of practice sessions is reduced from three one-hour sessions to a single one-hour session, while the qualifying format and the Grand Prix remain the same. The addition of sprint races in Canada, Singapore, Netherlands, and Great Britain implies the elimination of the race weekend format in Belgium, Austin, Brazil, and Qatar next year.2026 Sprint Race Calendar:
- March 13-15 – Chinese Grand Prix
- May 1-3 – Miami Grand Prix
- May 22-24 – Canadian Grand Prix
- July 3-5 – British Grand Prix
- August 21-23 – Dutch Grand Prix
- October 9-11 – Singapore Grand Prix
Due to the significant regulation changes in 2026, the number of sprint races will remain at six, but sources indicate that discussions are underway to hold up to 12 in 2027. Changes to the sprint race format will also be discussed, including the possible introduction of reverse grids, although similar proposals have not gained the support of teams and drivers in the past. F1 claims that sprint weekends result in a 10% increase in television viewership compared to normal race weekends with three practice sessions. The sprint weekend at next year’s Dutch Grand Prix will be the last event at Zandvoort for the foreseeable future, after the circuit opted not to renew its race contract with the sport beyond 2026. The Singapore sprint race is expected to be a twilight race on Saturday before the usual night qualifying session. F1 will introduce new regulations next year based on a power unit that derives half its energy from a battery, while the other half is provided by sustainable fuel.There is a topic on the table regarding the format we will use in the coming years, starting with the sprint weekends. We need to understand whether to increase them, how to increase them, and whether to use different formats. We have several discussions to have with the teams to decide the direction.
Stefano Domenicali
